The University of Aberdeen has appointed its very first female Vice-Principal in its 500 year history.
Professor Neva Haites is to become the new Head of the College of Life Sciences and Medicine - the largest College in the University.
She will take over from Professor Stephen Logan who is succeeding Lord Sewel as Senior Vice-Principal when Lord Sewel retires in July.
Professor Haites could not have foreseen her historic new post when she first joined the University - as a mature student studying medicine.
That was 30 years ago when she relocated to Aberdeen from Australia with her husband who was working in the oil industry.
Now Professor Haites, currently Associate Dean (Clinical), is looking forward to the challenges ahead. She said: "It's a very exciting College. It is a centre of excellence dedicated to improving our understanding of science and medicine and applying it to the betterment of mankind. I aim to continue to build its reputation and look forward to heading up this challenge. "
Professor C Duncan Rice, Principal of the University, said: "I am absolutely delighted that Professor Haites is to become the new Head of the College of Life Sciences and Medicine.
"Professor Haites has had an extremely distinguished career at the University of Aberdeen for the last 20 years and I look forward to her continuing to develop the excellent work that has been carried out within the College by Professor Stephen Logan."
Professor Haites wants to be seen as someone who looks for high achievement. She also wants closer ties with the local community. She said: "I would like to think we can be seen as a University owned by the people of Aberdeen. I want them to be proud of the groundbreaking work which is carried out here."
Born in Brisbane, Professor Haites completed an honours degree and a Phd in Biochemistry at the University of Queensland..
Professor Haites spent a year as a lecturer in Queensland before she moved to Aberdeen.
On completing her studies at Aberdeen, Professor Haites went on to train in Clinical Genetics.
Professor Haites then took up a Lecturer post in Medical Genetics. Over the years she was promoted through the ranks to Professor and Head of Service Medical Genetics.
Although Professor Haites will become the first female Vice-Principal, she does not think she has had to breakthrough any glass ceiling. She said: "I think this University has a good track record of promoting whoever is the best candidate and I look forward to seeing increased numbers of women reaching the top managerial positions in the future.
"I have had a fantastic career and now feel ready to take on the exciting challenges of this new role."
Although she will become Head of College, Professor Haites will continue to do clinical practice as an Honorary Consultant in Clinical Genetics. She is also a board member of NHS Grampian as well as a member of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority.
Professor Haites and Professor Stephen Logan take up their new posts in August.